A tragic car accident has left Steve Pellegrino, the celebrated creator behind some of Philadelphia’s finest kitchen cutlery, fighting for his life. As the city mourns and rallies in support, the story of this innovative craftsman unfolds.

Join the Community in Supporting a Visionary Knife Maker

The Road to Mastery

In the world of culinary arts, precision and quality are paramount. Steve Pellegrino’s journey from novice to master bladesmith is nothing short of inspirational. After an apprenticeship with Portland Razor Co., Pellegrino returned to the East Coast, where he began crafting knives in an outbuilding on his grandfather’s property in Upper Black Eddy. Early efforts were far from perfect; Pellegrino humorously described them as resembling “hamburgers.” Yet, these humble beginnings laid the foundation for what would become a renowned brand. By 2018, Pellegrino had honed his skills to the point where chefs like Marc Vetri, Michael Solomonov, and Matty Matheson trusted him to supply their kitchens with top-tier tools. His dedication to craftsmanship earned him recognition as one of the best American knife makers.Pellegrino’s passion extended beyond creating exquisite knives. He envisioned a future where every line cook and home chef could access reliable, affordable cutlery. This vision led him to establish a state-of-the-art facility in Doylestown, designed for high-volume production. Here, he aimed to bridge the gap between artisanal excellence and everyday affordability. In addition to expanding his product line, Pellegrino was eager to share his knowledge through workshops, fostering a new generation of skilled artisans.

A Night That Changed Everything

On February 19th, at approximately 2:45 a.m., a devastating accident occurred on a stretch of road between Philadelphia and Upper Black Eddy. Pellegrino’s vehicle slid over a guardrail, leading to severe injuries including multiple skull fractures, brain bleeding, and damage to his carotid artery. Airlifted to a trauma center, he was placed on life support, leaving his family and the culinary community in a state of shock. Rae Pellegrino, his wife, shared updates on his condition, highlighting the critical nature of his injuries and the uncertainty that lay ahead.The news spread quickly, touching the hearts of many within the Philadelphia restaurant scene. Chefs who had long admired Pellegrino’s work expressed their concern and hope for his recovery. Pat Alfiero of Heavy Metal Sausage praised Pellegrino’s talent, while Chutatip “Nok” Suntaranon of Kalaya conveyed her heartfelt wishes for his resilience. The outpouring of support demonstrated the profound impact Pellegrino had made on those around him.

Rallying Together for Recovery

In response to the tragedy, a GoFundMe campaign was launched to assist with mounting medical expenses. Within days, the initiative garnered nearly $35,000, surpassing expectations and reflecting the deep respect and admiration held for Pellegrino. Donations poured in from admirers across the country, united by a common goal: to provide relief and aid during this challenging time. The fundraising effort not only offered financial assistance but also served as a testament to the strength and solidarity of the culinary community.As Pellegrino continues his battle, the focus remains on his remarkable contributions to the craft of knife-making. His legacy extends far beyond the blades he forged; it encompasses the inspiration he provided to countless individuals pursuing their passions. The road to recovery may be long, but the collective support ensures that Pellegrino’s spirit and dedication will endure.